There is absolutely no better way to learn all there is to know about the Atlanta BeltLine than to take a narrated bus tour. These tours are incredibly popular and book up fast, so reserve a seat early and come experience the Atlanta BeltLine! Learn more

BE KIND. OBEY THE SIGNS.
With thousands of people sharing this public space, it is important that we all follow basic rules of etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience!
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New developments are occurring every day on the Atlanta BeltLine. Many of these great happenings are captured on video, which you can view here, and then come see the real thing for yourself!
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Funding

How the Atlanta BeltLine is Funded

A form of tax increment financing known as Tax Allocation District (TAD) Funding anchors the 25-year financial plan for the Atlanta BeltLine. The TAD was established in 2005, and includes tax increment from the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools. This district covers more than 6,500 acres of the city, and is projected to generate $1.5 billion in bonding capacity over 25 years.

The remainder of the total project cost estimate is expected to be covered by a combination of other local contributions and federal funds. Since 2005, the Atlanta BeltLine has received $120 million from TAD bonds/tax increment, and $179.5 million from private and local government sources, including $37.5 million donated by private and philanthropic organizations.

Developing the Atlanta BeltLine to its full potential will require a significant investment from both the public and private sectors.

Tax Allocation District (TAD) Financing

The Atlanta BeltLine Tax Allocation District (TAD) will serve as the primary source of funding and will cover the majority of infrastructure costs. Bonds issued against increased tax revenue streams generated by new development within the 6500-acre TAD are projected to fund approximately $1.5 billion of the project. Get more information on the Atlanta BeltLine TAD.

Capital Campaign

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership’s $60 million capital campaign will raise critical funds that are being used to acquire land for new parks and to develop trails. Read more about the Capital Campaign.

Federal Funding

Federal funding is a critical piece of the Atlanta BeltLine funding picture. To date, more than $25 million in federal funds have been secured for the project through partners in local and state government, the Atlanta Regional Commission and nonprofit partners.

Read more about Federal Funding

Federal funds are an important component of the overall funding for the Atlanta BeltLine project. These funds aid in the development of transit, transportation improvements, trails, affordable housing, and environmental cleanup, alongside all components of the project.

Transit
After the completion of the Alternatives Analysis, and the approval of the Locally Preferred Alternative, the next steps in the federal transit funding process are a corridor environmental analysis and Preliminary Engineering. The Federal Government has programmed $4.15 million toward the funding of this next stage in the transit development process. After the environmental review process is completed, the Atlanta BeltLine will be able to apply for competitive federal transit funds, available primarily via the New Starts program and/or the Small Starts program, to help fund approved transit projects, which will require local matching funds. The Atlanta BeltLine is programmed to be eligible for federal funds in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s long-range transportation plan.

Transportation
The Atlanta BeltLine will contribute to improvements to our urban street grid that are conducive to walkable and livable neighborhoods with streetscapes, sidewalks, and transportation improvements. Through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s TIP program, approximately $20.5 million has been programmed for on-street projects within the Atlanta BeltLine planning area.

Trails
Spearheaded by efforts from the PATH Foundation, the construction of multi-use trails is a significant focus of the Atlanta BeltLine. For years, federal matching funds have been used in metro Atlanta to help build trails, and the Atlanta BeltLine anticipates federal matching funds will contribute to the development of the project’s multi-use trails as well. In fact, additional federal money has assisted in several trail projects that are already completed or under construction.

Other Federal Funds
The Atlanta BeltLine represents a unique vision for an integrated approach to smart growth in the 21st Century. Atlanta’s commitment to such a distinctive and nationally significant project may help make available additional federal funds for various elements of the project, including transit and transportation improvements, trails, environmental cleanup, and affordable housing development. With strong bipartisan support for the Atlanta BeltLine in Georgia’s Congressional delegation, the project is ideally situated to secure additional federal funding for future needs.

City of Atlanta Funding

In addition to its participation in the Tax Allocation District, the City of Atlanta has invested approximately $146 million in the Atlanta BeltLine (to date) through Park Improvement Bonds and Department of Watershed Management and City of Atlanta Capital Improvement Program funds.

Partner Funding

Many of the non profit partners involved in the development of the Atlanta BeltLine bring resources to the project as well. The PATH Foundation, Trees Atlanta, The Trust for Public Land and others have contributed funding for various aspects of the project and continue to do so where appropriate.